India releases a ₹75 coin to celebrate IIT Kharagpur’s 75th anniversary, honoring its legacy in engineering, innovation, and national development.
Historic Honour Golden Legacy in Metal – India’s first Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Kharagpur, has etched its legacy into the nation’s currency. On August 18, 2025, the Government of India unveiled a commemorative ₹75 coin to honor the institute’s 75th Foundation Day, a symbolic tribute to a pioneering institution that laid the cornerstone of India’s technological renaissance.
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IIT Kharagpur: The Cradle of Indian Engineering Excellence
Established in 1951, IIT Kharagpur was born out of post-independence India’s vision to build a self-reliant, technologically empowered nation. Modelled after MIT, it was the first of the IITs and has since become a beacon of innovation, research, and nation-building. From its humble beginnings in the Hijli Detention Camp to its transformation into a sprawling academic powerhouse, IIT Kharagpur has produced generations of engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who have shaped India’s global identity.
The 75th Foundation Day is not just a milestone, it’s a celebration of resilience, intellect, and the spirit of discovery. The commemorative coin is a tangible reminder of this journey, linking the institute’s legacy with the nation’s economic and cultural fabric.
Design & Symbolism: Golden Legacy in Metal – What the ₹75 Coin Represents
The ₹75 coin, minted by the Ministry of Finance, is a collector’s delight and a symbol of national pride. Crafted in a bi-metallic composition, the outer ring is made of nickel silver while the inner disc is composed of cupronickel. The coin weighs 35 grams and has a diameter of 44 millimeters, larger than standard circulation coins, befitting its commemorative status.
On one side, the coin features the Lion Capital of Ashoka with the words “सत्यमेव जयते” inscribed below. The reverse side proudly displays the IIT Kharagpur logo, flanked by the inscription “75 Years of IIT Kharagpur” in both Hindi and English. The year “2025” is etched at the bottom, anchoring the coin in its historical moment.
This design is not merely aesthetic, it’s symbolic. The Lion Capital represents India’s enduring values, while the IIT logo signifies the institute’s contribution to technological advancement. Together, they encapsulate the synergy between tradition and innovation.
National Recognition of Academic Institutions: A Growing Trend
The release of the ₹75 coin continues a growing trend of honoring India’s premier academic institutions through commemorative currency. In recent years, coins have been issued to celebrate milestones of Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, and Delhi University. These gestures reflect a broader recognition of the role educational institutions play in shaping India’s socio-economic trajectory.
By immortalizing IIT Kharagpur on currency, the government sends a powerful message: that knowledge, innovation, and academic excellence are as integral to national identity as political and cultural heritage. It also serves as an inspiration for younger generations to pursue education not just as a career path, but as a means of nation-building.
Beyond the Coin: What This Means for India’s Tech Future
The ₹75 coin is more than a commemorative artifact, it’s a call to action. As India positions itself as a global tech hub, institutions like IIT Kharagpur will play a pivotal role in driving innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. The coin’s release coincides with renewed government focus on STEM education, AI research, and startup incubation.
For alumni, students, and faculty, the coin is a badge of honour. For policymakers, it’s a reminder of the importance of investing in education. And for the public, it’s a celebration of India’s intellectual capital. As IIT Kharagpur steps into its next chapter, the ₹75 coin stands as a gleaming testament to its past and a beacon for its future.
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